There is an easy fix for this problem. Many users encountered the problem, and it's all caused by the fact that the executable file has some compatibility options set up. To overcome this, locate the EXE file (WinDOC or WinWord): C:\Program files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office XX\Winword.exe
where XX is the version. Right click the file and then choose Properties > Compatibility. Remove everything related to: Run as options, Windows backward compatibility, etc. There shouldn't be any option checked on the page.
Accept the changes, then try opening a DOC file and it should work.